Coming back - after injury or leave

pfeiferfit

I'm coming back in January after a long leave. And I know I'm going to have to skate with the refs for a while, and get back up to it. Anyone have suggestions on how I can get back up to conditioned from not skating for 6mos+? Thanks!

redhotredneck

I had to do the same thing, but I was coming back to be a ref. In actuality the refs have to work harder than skaters, so they usually will whip your butt into shape pretty well. But, I would also recommend doing off-skate exercises as well as your work on skates. There are so really good videos out there - youtube, etc - you can search for off-skates, or look up speed skating off-skates. They use the same mechanics as derby, so their off-skates will help you immensely.

FunkBunny

Coming back is always daunting,. but you'll do great once your get your confidence and endurance back up, too. The videos are a great idea! I also was off for 2 months with a back injury. Once i had the OK from my doctor I was on the elliptical 30 minutes a day, trying to get that endurance going again.

pfeiferfit

Thanks guys. I was at a practice last night watching. It was intense. I think in Derby the head AND the body need to e in the game. So I'll work on that.

Sh0ewh0re7_BlingItOn

I came back Sept 2011 after 10 months (pregnancy) ! I just jumped right in and gave 100% of MY ability. Played my first two mixed scrimmages in December and felt great!!!! Just keep pushing yourself, you'll be right back to the old you in no time!

pinkyD1953

Sometimes you do have jump in with both skates! I retired from derby at the beginning of 2011. I hadn't skated since my teams season ended in Aug '10. I decided to come out of retirement in May of 2011 with a new league. I went to one of their pre-fresh meat bootcamps and just doing the basics kicked my *kitten*. The next practice I attended the league president and coach informed I'd be testing. In my mind, I figured I was taking the same test the pre-fresh meat would be taking in a few weeks. Boy was I wrong!! After 8 months of being off skates, I was taking the WTFDA skills assessment, timed laps and all!! I survived - barely but scored well and found myself immediately on the travel team. So, don't be afraid to jump on in! You'll be sore all over again like when y first put on skates. But your body & mind will remember pretty quickly how to play the Derbys!

Good luck!!

Pinky